Our brains use basic ‘building blocks’ of information to keep track of how people interact, enabling us to navigate complex social interactions, finds a new study led by University College London (UCL) researchers. For the study, published in Nature, the researchers scanned the brains of participants who were playing a simple game involving a teammate and two opponents, to see how their brains were able to keep track of information about the group of players. The scientists found that rather ...

ANN ARBOR—Large, undisturbed forests are better for harboring biodiversity than fragmented landscapes, according to University of Michigan research.  Ecologists agree that habitat loss and the fragmentation of forests reduces biodiversity in the remaining fragments. But ecologists don't agree whether it's better to focus on preserving many smaller, fragmented tracts of land or larger, continuous landscapes. The study, published in Nature and led by U-M ecologist Thiago Gonçalves-Souza, comes to a conclusion on the decades-long debate. "Fragmentation is bad," said study author Nate Sanders, U-M professor of ecology and evolutionary biology. ...

Modern communication networks rely on optical signals to transfer vast amounts of data. But just like a weak radio signal, these optical signals need to be amplified to travel long distances without losing information. The most common amplifiers, erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs), have served this purpose for decades, enabling longer transmission distances without the need for frequent signal regeneration. However, they operate within a limited spectral bandwidth, restricting the expansion of optical networks. To meet the growing demand for high-speed data transmission, researchers have been seeking ways to develop more powerful, flexible, ...

A recent study by Chinese scientists has revealed the intricate molecular machinery driving energy exchange within chloroplasts, shedding light on a key event in the evolution of plant life. Led by FAN Minrui from the Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the research elucidates the structure and function of the ATP/ADP translocator—a crucial member of the nucleotide transporter (NTT) family of proteins—which facilitates the transfer of energy across chloroplast membranes. Their findings were published online in ...

Scientists have long suspected that phosphorene nanoribbons (PNRs) – thin pieces of black phosphorus, only a few nanometres wide –   might exhibit unique magnetic and semiconducting properties, but proving this has been difficult. In a recent study published in Nature, researchers focused on exploring the potential for magnetic and semiconducting characteristics of these nanoribbons. Using techniques such as ultrafast magneto-optical spectroscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance they were able to demonstrate the magnetic behaviour of PNRs at room temperature, and show how these magnetic properties can interact with light. The ...

HOUSTON ― The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Research Highlights showcases the latest breakthroughs in cancer care, research and prevention. These advances are made possible through seamless collaboration between MD Anderson’s world-leading clinicians and scientists, bringing discoveries from the lab to the clinic and back. Study offers insights into evolutionary process driving pancreatic cancer Read summary | Read study in Nature Pancreatic cancer is hard to treat because ...

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are tiny gold particles of 1–100 nanometers and have unique chemical and biological properties. Due to their potential to accumulate in tumors, these nanoparticles have emerged as promising drug carriers for cancer therapy and targeted drug delivery. However, tracking the movement of these nanoparticles in the body has been a major challenge. Traditional imaging methods often involve tracers like fluorescent dyes and radioisotopes, which give limited visualization and inaccurate results due to detachment from AuNPs. In a step to advance the imaging of AuNPs, researchers from Waseda ...

SAN ANTONIO — March 12, 2025 — Four small suitcase-sized spacecraft, designed and built by Southwest Research Institute headquartered in San Antonio, launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on March 11. NASA’s Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere, or PUNCH, constellation has spread out in a low-Earth orbit along the day-night line, providing a clear view in all directions for its two-year primary mission. “The PUNCH spacecraft are now drifting into perfect position to study the solar corona, the Sun’s outer ...

In developing hearts, cells shuffle around, bumping into each other to find their place, and the stakes are high: pairing with the wrong cell could mean the difference between a beating heart and one that falters. A study publishing on March 12 in the Cell Press journal Biophysical Journal demonstrates how heart cells go about this “matchmaking” process. The researchers model the intricate movements of these cells and predict how genetic variations could disrupt the heart development process in fruit flies. In both humans and fruit flies, the heart’s tissues arise from two distinct regions of ...

Study compares those with food insecurity to food-secure individuals over 20 years Food insecurity is associated with a 41% increased risk of heart disease over time Findings suggest food security screening as a key tool to prevent heart disease CHICAGO --- Struggling to afford food today could mean heart problems tomorrow. Young adults experiencing food insecurity have a 41% greater risk of developing heart disease in midlife, even after accounting for demographic and socioeconomic factors, according to a new Northwestern Medicine study. Food insecurity — struggling to get enough nutritious ...

About The Study: In this prospective cohort study among participants in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study, food insecurity was associated with incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) even after adjustment for socioeconomic factors, suggesting that food insecurity may be an important social deprivation measure in clinical assessment of CVD risk. Whether interventions to reduce food insecurity programs can potentially alleviate CVD should be further studied.  Corresponding Author: To contact the corresponding author, Jenny Jia, MD, MSc, email jenny.jia@northwestern.edu. To access the embargoed study: ...

About The Study: This cohort study found that healthier diets and lower waist to hip ratio throughout midlife were associated with better brain and cognitive health in older age. The findings suggest that interventions to improve diet and manage central obesity might be most effective between ages 48 and 70. Corresponding Author: To contact the corresponding author, Daria E. A. Jensen, DPhil, email jensen@cbs.mpg.de. To access the embargoed study: Visit our For The Media website at this link https://media.jamanetwork.com/ (doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.0171) Editor’s Note: Please see the article for additional information, ...

Background and objectives Gastrointestinal endoscopy has revolutionized the entire practice of gastroenterology worldwide, including Nigeria. Endoscopy was introduced in Nigeria more than four decades ago, and it has been a story of varying successes and challenges. This study explored the various experiences of endoscopists, the challenges they face, and the efforts put in place to maintain the practice in Nigeria. Methods This cross-sectional survey was conducted from October to December 2023 among endoscopists practicing ...

Toronto, ON, March 12, 2025—Transgender and gender diverse individuals who were hospitalized for psychiatric care were less likely to have a follow-up visit compared to the general population, suggesting they face transphobia in the hospital system.    In a new study from ICES and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), findings demonstrate that transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people face an interesting paradox:  they have lower access to appropriate mental health care and support following a psychiatric hospitalization, yet have better follow-up after an emergency department (ED) visit. According to Statistics Canada, TGD people account ...

“Notably, the findings from this work may provide novel insight into the underlying mechanisms of PAD and, perhaps, have prevention or therapeutic impacts.” BUFFALO, NY — March 12, 2025 — A new research paper was published in Aging (Aging-US) on February 25, 2025, Volume 17, Issue 2, titled “Epidemiology and genetic determination of measures of peripheral vascular health in the Long Life Family Study.” Researchers from multiple institutions, led by first author and corresponding author ...

A recent review published in Engineering delves into the complex relationships among food systems, climate change, and air pollution, highlighting the need for sustainable strategies to address these interconnected global challenges. Climate change and air pollution pose significant threats to food systems. Rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events, driven by climate change, disrupt agricultural production. For example, higher temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns have altered crop growth cycles, caused yield fluctuations, and increased uncertainty ...

A recent study published in the journal Engineering delves into the application of tissue engineering in spinal cord injury (SCI) repair, presenting a comprehensive review of the latest research and potential treatment strategies. SCI is a severe condition that affects the central nervous system, often leading to permanent loss of sensation and motor function. Current treatments, such as surgical decompression and drug therapy, can only alleviate symptoms to a certain extent, making it crucial to explore new therapeutic approaches. Tissue engineering, an interdisciplinary field integrating life science, material science, engineering technology, ...

A preclinical study by HSS investigators found that earlier anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction led to lower immune cell activity, less inflammation and fewer joint changes associated with knee osteoarthritis compared to delayed surgery. The research team shared their study results today in a poster presentation at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 2025 Annual Meeting. After a knee injury, such as an ACL tear or rupture, immune cells travel to lymph nodes, where they interact with ...

INDIANAPOLIS – As many as half of nursing home residents are cognitively impaired and may be unable to communicate symptoms such as pain or anxiety to the staff and clinicians caring for them. Therefore, information needed for the evaluation of symptoms and subsequent treatment decisions typically does not reliably exist in nursing home electronic health records (EHRs). A new paper reports on the novel adaptation of a commonly used symptom assessment instrument to more comprehensively acquire this difficult-to-obtain data with the ultimate goal of enabling knowledge-based expansion of palliative care services in nursing homes ...

Miami (March 12, 2025) – The Bronchiectasis and NTM Association has accepted 27 Care Center and six Clinical Associate Center sites in 23 states and the District of Columbia into the new Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center Network (CCN). The CCN aims to facilitate access to specialized care and support for the hundreds of thousands of people with bronchiectasis and nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease.   “As the prevalence of bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease grows, it is even more important for us to create this Care Center Network to improve ...

Excessive alcohol consumption is a significant public health concern, responsible for approximately 6% of all deaths and contributing to 5.1% of the global disease burden. Alcohol use is a major risk factor for over 200 diseases, including liver cirrhosis, pancreatitis, and esophageal cancer, with a particularly high incidence of gastrointestinal diseases. More than 50% of alcohol-related deaths are caused by gastrointestinal diseases, highlighting the importance of understanding how ethanol affects the digestive system. This review aims to provide an overview of ethanol ...

Dr. Joungho Park and his research team from the Energy AI and Computational Science Laboratory at the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) have conducted an economic analysis of water electrolysis, a key technology for future eco-friendly hydrogen production, and presented optimal operation strategies to maximize efficiency and reduce costs. Green hydrogen, considered a key eco-friendly fuel of the future, is primarily produced using two technologies: alkaline water electrolysis and proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis. Among ...

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States and a significant health issue, with millions of non-melanoma cases and tens of thousands of melanomas diagnosed annually. Furthermore, treating skin cancer costs the U.S. approximately $8.9 billion annually.   Those with fair skin, a history of sun exposure or tanning bed use, and a genetic predisposition, are at higher risk. Key barriers to prevention include a lack of awareness, cultural preferences for tanned skin, and limited access to sun protection. A study by researchers at Florida Atlantic University’s Charles ...

A new report by the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre has revealed that young Australians are feeling the squeeze from financial pressures, worsening mental health and declining trust in political institutions, with concerns about the cost of living now topping their list of priorities.   Released today, the Youth in Focus: Navigating Wellbeing in a Changing World report draws on insights from young Australians aged 14 to 25, highlighting their biggest challenges and what they want to see change. While cost of living, education and mental health were identified as key concerns, the report also ...

Researchers have conducted the first national survey on public awareness and perceptions of food, health, and Food is Medicine programs. A team at the Food is Medicine Institute at the Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University found that nearly 90 percent of Americans surveyed agreed that eating healthy foods is important for preventing conditions like obesity, high blood pressure, and type-2 diabetes.   The results, published March 12 in the journal Health ...